Jason Zachary

Jason Zachary is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 14, which encompasses parts of Knox County. A member of the Republican Party, Zachary has been in office since 2015 and has been involved in various legislative activities and community initiatives throughout his tenure. His background includes experience in business and community service, as well as a commitment to his faith and local church.

Early life and career

Jason Zachary was born on June 29, 1977, to Pamela D. Zachary and Richard K. Zachary. He spent his formative years in Knoxville, Tennessee, moving there with his family at the age of 15 in 1992. His father, Richard Zachary, is the CEO of Americomm, Inc., a company he founded in 1994. This business has been a significant part of the family's professional background.

Zachary completed his high school education at Farragut High School and pursued higher education at Pellissippi State Community College, where he earned an associate degree in Marketing in 1996. He later attended the University of Tennessee, focusing on sports management, although he did not complete a degree from that institution.

In 2000, Zachary married Holly, and that same year, he acquired an ownership interest in his father's business, Americomm, Inc. He has held the position of Vice President of Agent Sales at the company since 1999. Additionally, he has served on the board of directors for the International Sports Consulting, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Knoxville.

Zachary is a member of the Southern Baptist faith and is actively involved in his local church, First Baptist Church Concord, where he serves as a deacon and is part of the finance committee overseeing a substantial budget. He is also a board member of the Western Heights Baptist Center, reflecting his commitment to community service and engagement.

Legislative service

Jason Zachary's political career began with his election to the Tennessee House of Representatives on August 12, 2015. He was sworn into office shortly thereafter, filling the vacancy left by former Representative Ryan A. Haynes, who resigned to take on a leadership role within the Tennessee Republican Party. Zachary's election was marked by a special election that drew a low voter turnout, with only a small percentage of registered voters participating.

During his initial campaign, Zachary faced off against Knox County school board member Karen Carson in a contest that garnered attention due to the costs associated with the special election. He emerged victorious, receiving a majority of the votes cast. His swearing-in ceremony took place at First Baptist Church Concord, which underscores his strong ties to the community and his faith.

Zachary has served in multiple General Assemblies, specifically the 109th through the 111th, and has been involved in various legislative initiatives during his time in office. His tenure has included sponsorship of bills and resolutions that reflect his policy positions and the interests of his constituents.

In 2023, Zachary was involved in a significant legislative action that resulted in the expulsion of Democratic lawmakers from the Tennessee legislature for violating decorum rules. This action was characterized as unprecedented and highlighted the contentious nature of political discourse in the state.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 14, Jason Zachary has focused on several key policy areas during his time in the Tennessee House. His legislative agenda has included support for measures that align with conservative principles, particularly in areas such as education and business regulation. Zachary has been an outspoken advocate for policies that prioritize private education over public schooling, reflecting his personal connection to the Concord Christian School, where his wife is employed.

One notable piece of legislation he sponsored is HB 563, which aims to protect businesses that choose to refuse service to individuals based on their sexual orientation. This bill has been part of broader discussions regarding LGBTQ rights and business practices in Tennessee, and it reflects Zachary's alignment with certain conservative social values.

Zachary's political activities have also included engagement with local community issues, as evidenced by his collaboration with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and local business leaders on initiatives like the Freedom Forward TN campaign. This campaign involved creating a video that criticized the Knoxville Board of Health, which was met with controversy and backlash from public health professionals who felt threatened by the messaging.

Throughout his legislative career, Zachary has maintained a focus on issues that resonate with his constituents in Knox County. His positions on education, health care, and business regulation reflect a commitment to conservative governance and a desire to influence state policy in a manner consistent with his party's platform. As he continues to serve in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Zachary remains an active participant in the political landscape of the state, navigating the complexities of governance while representing the interests of his district.